Tenders called for next stage of Bar Beach repair work

Image: City of Newcastle

City of Newcastle is moving forward with remediation and accessibility improvements at Bar Beach, inviting tenders for the next stage of rehabilitation works at the popular coastal destination.

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The stretch of beach, and the Cooks Hill Surf Lifesaving Club, suffered significant damage from huge swells in April 2022.

Since then, a staged program of works has been developed and is being delivered to ensure minimal disruption to beach users.

Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said City of Newcastle is continuing to address the significant storm damage and increase accessibility for emergency service vehicles, lifesavers and beachgoers.

"City of Newcastle is committed to ensuring all members of our community and visitors can continue to access Bar Beach, while delivering improvements to our valuable recreational areas," Mr Thomson said. 

"We worked with Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club to schedule the work outside of the busy summer season, with construction expected to commence mid-year following a tender process."

The next phase of remediation work will concentrate on the southern end of the promenade adjoining Cooks Hills Surf Life Saving Club, including the reinstatement of a vehicle access ramp from Memorial Drive to the beach, and new stairs to enhance pedestrian access to the sand.

A wave deflector wall topped with a new walkway and handrail will be constructed to help protect the surf club and provide pedestrian access across the front of the building.

Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club President Michael Clancy said the ongoing remediation and enhancements are welcomed by the local community.

“Cooks Hill Surf Club and the extended community that we serve are looking forward to seeing the work underway in coming months, to continue remediation works and improve beach access for all," Mr Clancy said.

Emergency works at Bar Beach were initially undertaken following the storm to enable use of the club house and facilities and provide temporary vehicular access to the beach.

Further work was carried out in 2023, including the construction of a temporary beach access ramp and upgraded balustrade fencing to replace temporary water-filled barriers.

City of Newcastle has received $1 million in funding from the Australian and New South Wales governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

City of Newcastle is continuing to work with coastal experts to develop a Coastal Management Program (CMP) for the stretch of beaches between Nobbys and Burwood Beach. The CMP will consider the increasing exposure to coastal hazards and explore long-term management options for this highly valued and much utilised stretch of coastline.